The Jacob House Advocacy program is dedicated to offering advocacy and support specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require non-conventional advocacy services.
Our focus includes assisting clients in various areas, such as competency dockets, navigating the justice system, and managing parole processes, whether they are found competent with restoration or without. We recognize the unique challenges that people with IDD face and strive to provide tailored support to ensure they receive fair treatment and access to justice. It’s essential to note that, although we are not a legal agency and cannot provide legal advice or representation in court, we are committed to advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with IDD within the justice system.
We will help you advocate for waiver assessments or reassessments by providing necessary documentation and working with you throughout the process. Additionally, we offer and support comprehensive mental health services.
Please note: We are not a legal agency and cannot offer Legal advice or Legal representation in court. To learn more about this program, please reach out to info@jacobhouse.org
Service Components:
Legal Advocacy: Our team is proactive in advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with IDD involved in the justice system, ensuring that appropriate assessments are conducted fairly and accurately. This demonstrates our commitment to upholding their rights.
This includes:
- Accompaniment to and hearings as needed, including competency hearings, ensuring all involved uphold the individual’s rights, SIS level, and supports.
- Ensuring the individual is given time to speak and be heard.
- Assistance attending hearings.
- Assistance in obtaining any pertinent documents
- Assistance as needed
- Assistance with setting up Mental Health evaluations (Psychiatric and psychological for competency review.
- Assist with setting up competency appointments.
Support Navigation: We help clients understand the legal terminology and processes related to their cases. Our advocates serve as guides, assisting individuals in navigating the complex justice system to ensure they know and understand their rights and options.
This includes:
- Assistance in understanding legal jargon, charges, expectations, and proceedings.
- Assistance with applying for grants or funding.
- Assistance in working with the family to navigate and set up court-ordered supervision.
- Assistance and education on how to access Webex, access records, and any related matters.
- Educational workshops and materials focused on rights within the justice system, enabling individuals and their families to be informed and empowered, allowing them to better advocate for themselves. These resources include information on competency evaluations, legal processes, and available support services.
Collaboration with Legal Professionals: We work closely with attorneys, social workers, mental health care professionals, and other professionals involved in the cases of individuals with IDD. This collaborative approach ensures a cohesive strategy that prioritizes the individual’s needs and rights, providing comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs.
- Assistance in setting up mental health evaluations, which involves coordinating with mental health support professionals to ensure comprehensive support. These assessments are used for competency evaluations
- Assistance in applying for a public defender or an attorney.
- Assistance with scheduling competency hearings or evaluations
- As-needed support.
Parole Support: For individuals nearing parole or who have been found competent with or without restoration, we offer tailored support to help them meet the requirements for successful reentry into the community.
This includes
- Assistance in developing personalized plans that address their needs and goals.
- Mental Health and Behavioral Supports.
- Help maintain a schedule with the parole board.
- Supports in maintaining court-ordered guidelines
Why is this Service Essential:
Individuals with IDD are disproportionately represented in
the justice system, often facing difficulties due to communication barriers, a
lack of understanding of legal processes, and inadequate support. According to
the National Council on Disability, people with disabilities are
overrepresented in the criminal justice system, underscoring the urgent need
for specialized supports (NCD, 2021).
Our advocacy and support services are vital for ensuring
individuals with IDD can navigate these complex systems with dignity and
respect. By providing tailored support and legal advocacy, we aim not only to
reduce the risk of wrongful convictions and ensure fair treatment but also to
empower individuals with IDD to navigate the complexities of competency dockets
and the justice system with confidence.
Our service offering is dedicated to enhancing the lives of
individuals with IDD by empowering them with the knowledge, resources, and
advocacy they need to navigate the complexities of the justice system, thereby
reducing the risk of wrongful convictions and ensuring their safety and
well-being.
We are not a legal agency and cannot offer Legal advice or Legal representation in court. To learn more about this program, please reach out to info@jacobhouse.org
